Integrating Intensive Interaction Principles into Psychological Practice

This book details how to use Intensive Interaction as a psychologically informed practice when working with ‘seldom-heard’ clients.

Although Intensive Interaction was originally developed for children with severe and profound learning disability, its use has expanded across age ranges and conditions, and is now utilised with children and adults including autistic individuals and people with dementia. Exploring the context in which Intensive Interaction has and can be used, specifically as a psychological approach, this edited volume covers therapeutic intervention on a one-to-one basis, as well as an intervention within other frameworks such as Trauma Informed Care and Positive Behaviour Support. Case examples are utilised throughout, alongside psychological theory, to demonstrate use in practice. Consideration is also paid to service contexts and how psychologists can introduce this approach in their local areas.

The first book on Intensive Interaction written by psychologists for psychological practitioners, this book will appeal to trainee and qualified clinical and counselling psychologists, and psychological practitioners including creative therapists and counsellors.

Sophie Doswell is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist who has worked in the NHS with individuals with intellectual disabilities and autistic individuals for over 25 years. She was introduced to Intensive Interaction early in her career and is passionate about its use within services as a way of connecting with individuals, alleviating distress and helping supporters.

Maggie Ellis, MBE, is a psychologist based at the University of St Andrews. She has worked with people living with dementia as a volunteer and researcher for 24 years, with a particular focus on facilitating communication between people with very advanced dementia and their carers.